Non-smoking Group Research Articles

ANALISIS GEN KOMPARATIF KARSINOMA SEL SKUAMOSA PARU-PARU ANTARA INDIVIDU MEROKOK DAN TIDAK MEROKOK [Comparative Gene Analysis of Squamous Cell Lung Carcinoma Between Smoking and Non-smoking Individuals

Squamous cell lung carcinoma (SCC) is a form of non-small cell lung cancer that commonly arises in the primary airway. The development of SCC is closely linked to changes in squamous cells that line the airways, primarily caused by exposure to tobacco smoke. To gain insights into SCC, bioinformatics techniques have been employed to detect biomarkers and analyze gene expression patterns, utilizing data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, which was preprocessed for analysis. By employing DESeq2, a differential gene expression analysis method, identified genes showed significant variations in expression between smoking and non-smoking groups among the 11,530 genes examined. Notably, five genes, namely CT45A1, GCGR, TPTE, ABCC2, and PI16, were found to play a significant role in tumor development and were susceptible to under- or over-expression due to smoking. The majority of these genes were found to be underexpressed rather than overexpressed. These identified genes hold potential as biomarkers for tumor development and exhibit a strong correlation between smoking history and the development of SCC. However, a limitation encountered during this analysis was the unavailability of data from normal non-tumor patients, which could have facilitated a more comprehensive analysis of differential gene expression. Furthermore, this research gives a deeper implementation regarding the molecular mechanisms and genomics underlying SCC development, identifies differentially expressed genes associated with SCC and smoking history, and highlights potential biomarkers that warrant further investigation.

Leukocyte- and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (L-PRF) Obtained from Smokers and Nonsmokers Shows a Similar Uniaxial Tensile Response In Vitro.

We evaluated and compared the biomechanical properties of Leukocyte-and Platelet Rich Fibrin L-PRF clots and membranes derived from smoker and nonsmoker donors. Twenty venous-blood donors (aged 18 to 50 years) were included after signing informed consent forms. L-PRF clots were analyzed and then compressed to obtain L-PRF membranes. L-PRF clot and membrane samples were tested in quasi-static uniaxial tension and the stress-stretch response was registered and characterized. Furthermore, scanning electron microscope representative images were taken to see the fibrin structure from both groups. The analysis of stress-stretch curves allowed us to evaluate the statistical significance in differences between smoker and nonsmoker groups. L-PRF membranes showed a stiffer response and higher tensile strength when compared to L-PRF clots. However, no statistically significant differences were found between samples from smokers and nonsmokers. With the limitations of our in vitro study, we can suggest that the tensile properties of L-PRF clots and membranes from the blood of smokers and nonsmokers are similar. More studies are necessary to fully characterize the effect of smoking on the biomechanical behavior of this platelet concentrate, to further encourage its use as an alternative to promote wound healing in smokers.

Clinical evaluation of laser therapy (diode laser) in the treatment of periodontal disease in smoking and non-smoking patients

Periodontal disease is multifactorial, in terms of potential etiological factors and modifiers of achieved therapeutic effects. The wide spectrum of positive therapeutic reflections in the periodontal-tissue complex achieved by laser therapy represents a challenge for the application of this modality in the modern therapy of periodontal disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical results of the application of laser therapy with diode laser, as an additional therapeutic method to conventional periodontal treatment in smoking and non-smoking patients. Therefore verification of the anti-inflammatory influence of the laser light and the effects of the application of laser therapy with a diode laser were the main points of this study. A comparative analysis was made between the studied groups. The study was conducted on 60 patients with periodontal disease divided into four groups: two groups of smokers and two groups of non-smokers. A conventional periodontal therapeutic procedure was carried out in all subjects, and then in half of the subjects the treatment was supplemented with laser therapy (diode laser). The evaluation of the clinical results was done using the following indices: 1. Evaluation of gingival inflammation through the index of Loe and Silness and 2. Assessment of the presence of periodontal pocket bleeding, during probing, through the index of bleeding according to Loe and Silness. The obtained results showed a positive clinical evaluation in patients treated with diode laser, as an additional therapeutic method, compared to those who received conventional treatment. The comparative analysis carried out between patients who smoke and those who do not smoke, the positive clinical evaluation i.e. positive clinical effects were evaluated in non-smokers.The application of laser therapy with a diode laser as an additional method to conventional periodontal treatment gives good clinical results, reduces relapses and maintains therapeutic results for a longer period of time.

Assessment of the relationship between smoking and meniscal injury.

To determine whether being a smoker and the years of smoking correlate with the presence and degree of meniscal injury. Individuals who underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the knee were divided into two groups: smokers and nonsmokers. For each smoker, the total smoking history was calculated by multiplying the daily consumption (packs/day) by the years of smoking, and the result is expressed as pack-years. In the evaluation of meniscal injury, the grade of injury was recorded. The thickness of the subcutaneous adipose tissue, as an indicator of obesity, was measured at the medial knee on axial plane images. The relationships that smoking and obesity had with meniscal injury were analyzed statistically. A total of 156 individuals were included in the study. The smoker group consisted of 48 individuals (30.8%), and the nonsmoker group consisted of 108 (69.2%). The meniscus was normal in one (2.1%) of the smokers and in 32 (29.6%) of the nonsmokers (p < 0.0001). The median subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness was 23 mm and 24 mm in the smokers and nonsmokers, respectively (p = 0.900). A moderate but statistically significant correlation was observed between packs/day and injury grade, as well as between pack-years and injury grade (r = 0.462, p = 0.001 and r = 0.523, p = 0.001, respectively). Smoking and age significantly increased the risk of meniscal injury, by 31.221 times (p = 0.001) and 1.076 times (p < 0.001), respectively. Our findings indicate that current smoking and smoking history correlate significantly with meniscal injury grade.

Association between the clinical presentation and outcome among smokers vs non- smokers COVID-19 patients in Kirkuk health care centers/Iraq

Abstract Background: Smoking is regarded as one of the most important reasons of diseases and lead to eight million deaths all over the world. Both factors including corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection related to smoking can primarily affect the lungs. COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through the respiratory tract (saliva), and the smoker group may be at a higher risk of contracting the virus because of impaired immune systems, reduced lung function, susceptible hygiene habits, and cross-infection. Objectives: The study aimed to determine if there is any association between the current smoking and the clinical severity and outcomes of disease among patients suffering from COVID-19 in Kirkuk city. Materials and Methods: Retrospective case series include 973 adult (≥18 years old) patients (525 male and 448 female) with confirmed COVID-19. The studied patients were diagnosed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) by taking a swab from a nasopharyngeal region during the period from July 2020 to October 31, 2021. The data were collected from patients on the first visit to health services system (Private Clinic, AL-shifaa Hospital, and Kirkuk General Hospital). The diagnosis of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia was based on symptoms. Presence of infiltration on chest X-ray or high-resolution CT scan with positive PCR swab for SARS-CoV-2 was found. The total number of patients included in the study was 974 (646 smokers and 328 non-smokers). A special questionnaire form was prepared for this purpose and distributed after receiving the verbal consent from them, and the data were collected by interviewing with them. Results: This study shows that the most affected age group between smokers and non-smokers was 50–59 years (47.35%–49.8%), respectively, with P value = 0.444. Regarding the sex, males from smoker group constitute a higher percentage (75.6%), in comparison to non-smoker group in which the females constitute a higher percent (56.2%) with a P-value = 0.000. Also the study reveals that the smoker group shows a high percent among patients with hypertension (33.8%), in comparison to the non-smoker group in which diabetes mellitus was the most comorbid disease (37.9%) with a P-value = 0.000. Conclusion: The study recommended that physicians can provide more attention to the smoking history in patients with COVID-19 infection, and more future advanced research is aimed to explain the mechanisms that decrease this risk.

The Effect of Patients’ Position on Arterial Oxygenation During One-Lung and Two-Lung Ventilation in Thoracic Surgery: Smoker vs. Nonsmoker Patients (A Pilot Study)

Background: One-lung ventilation (OLV) is often required to facilitate surgical exposure. Hypoxemia is a common disorder during thoracic surgery. Objectives: We studied whether changing from the supine to the lateral position during OLV and two-lung ventilation (TLV) in thoracic surgery would affect positions on arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2) in two groups of smokers and nonsmokers. Methods: This single-blinded prospective observational pilot study was conducted on patients who underwent thoracotomy under general anesthesia. The effect of lateral and supine PaO2 was investigated in 15 patients with a history of smoking (≥ 40 packs/year) and 15 patients without. The data were analyzed via descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS v. 19. Results: Arterial oxygen pressure did not significantly differ between the two groups in the supine TLV (P = 0.98), supine OLV (P = 0.16), lateral TLV (P = 0.06), and lateral OLV (P = 0.31). However, the PaO2 level was higher in smokers than in nonsmokers (except during supine TLV). Changing the position from supine to lateral caused a relative decrease in PaO2 (except during TLV in smokers) during TLV and OLV. This reduction in PaO2 levels was less in smokers (72.12) than in nonsmokers (95.28). Oxygen saturation (SpO2) levels were the same in all positions regardless of whether they were a smoker or nonsmoker. Conclusions: Changing the position from supine to lateral had no significant effects on PaO2 and SpO2 levels in smoker and nonsmoker patients during OLV and TLV in thoracic surgery.

Changes in aspartate metabolism in the medial-prefrontal cortex of nicotine addicts based on J-edited magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

This study aims to explore the changes of the aspartate (Asp) level in the medial-prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of subjects with nicotine addiction (nicotine addicts [NAs]) using the J-edited 1 H MR spectroscopy (MRS), which may provide a positive imaging evidence for intervention of NA. From March to August 2022, 45 males aged 40-60 years old were recruited from Henan Province, including 21 in NA and 24 in nonsmoker groups. All subjects underwent routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and J-edited MRS scans on a 3.0 T MRI scanner. The Asp level in mPFC was quantified with reference to the total creatine (Asp/Cr) and water (Aspwater-corr , with correction of the brain tissue composition) signals, respectively. Two-tailed independent samples t-test was used to analyze the differences in levels of Asp and other coquantified metabolites (including total N-acetylaspartate [tNAA], total cholinine [tCho], total creatine [tCr], and myo-Inositol [mI]) between the two groups. Finally, the correlations of the Asp level with clinical characteristic assessment scales were performed using the Spearman criteria. Compared with the control group (n = 22), NAs (n = 18) had higher levels of Asp (Asp/Cr: p = .005; Aspwater-corr : p = .004) in the mPFC, and the level of Asp was positively correlated with the daily smoking amount (Asp/Cr: p < .001; Aspwater-corr : p = .004). No significant correlation was found between the level of Asp and the years of nicotine use, Fagerstrom Nicotine Dependence (FTND), Russell Reason for Smoking Questionnaire (RRSQ), or Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS-11) score. The elevated Asp level was observed in mPFC of NAs in contrast to nonsmokers, and the Asp level was positively correlated with the amount of daily smoking, which suggests that nicotine addiction may result in elevated Asp metabolism in the human brain.

The Relationship Between CTLA-4 (-318 C/T) Polymorphism and Urothelial Cancer Carcinogenesis in Japanese Patients.

Background Urothelial cancer is one of the most common types of urinary system cancer and there are several factors that can influence its growth. One of the most prominent factors among these is genetics. The Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Antigen-4 (CTLA-4) gene is suspected to be a susceptibility gene in urothelial carcinoma. The aim of this study is to investigate polymorphism in the CTLA-4 gene (CTLA-4 -318 C/T) and whether it is associated with urothelial cancer. Methods The study population consisted of 253 cases and 272 controls. In this case-control study, DNA was extracted from peripheral blood cells, and the CTLA-4 -318C/T genotypes were detected using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Results C/T (adjusted OR (aOR) 3.37; 95%CI: 1.98-5.74) genotype, C/T + T/T (aOR 3.25; 95%CI: 1.96-5.39) genotype, and T allele (aOR 2.94 95%CI: 1.87-4.62) all indicated they are significant risk factors for urothelial cancer, with the effects of polymorphism being higher in the nonsmoker group than in the smoker group. Furthermore, the association between polymorphism and urothelial cancer carcinogenesis was similar among men and women. Conclusions This is the first study examining the association between CTLA-4 -318C/T polymorphism and urothelial carcinoma in Japanese patients. A significant association between CTLA-4 -318C/T polymorphism and urothelial cancer among Japanese patients was detected in this study. This supports the development of research on polymorphisms in urothelial cancer and is an important root of immunoreactions in cancer. We believe this study will be beneficial to clarify the relationship between CTLA-4 polymorphism and urothelial cancer.

The effect of smoking on respiratory functions in athletes

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of smoking on respiratory functions in athletes. A total of 12 American football players with an age, height and body mass means of 22.50±1.62 years, 182.83±5.85 cm., 88.91±18.99 kg. voluntarily participated in the study. The participants were competitive players with at least five years of continuous training and competition experience. Respiratory functions of the athletes were measured with a Minispir hand-held spirometer. Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF), Maximal Voluntary Ventilation (MVV) values were measured. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS 26 package program. Because the distribution of the data was not normal, the Mann Whitney-U test and Spearman correlation test, a nonparametric test, were used to compare the data between the smoker and non-smoker groups. The significance level was accepted as p&lt;0.05. Although numerically positive effects were found on the respiratory function of non-smokers compared to smokers, there was no statistically significant difference or correlation relationship between the data constituting these effects. As a result, it was found that the respiratory function of American football players who smoked cigarettes was lower than that of non-smokers. In line with these results, it can be stated that smoking has a negative effect on respiratory functions.

Effects of Smoking on Serum Ferritin levels in adult population living in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq: A Retrospective Cross-sectional Study

Background: Smoking is a serious issue for global public health, and the prevalence of smoking use is the leading cause of early mortality globally. Serum ferritin, an intracellular protein that stores and releases iron, is considered one of the most important clinical biomarkers to assess iron status.&#x0D; Aim: The current study aims to examines the effect of smoking on serum ferritin levels of adult populations in Sulaymaniyah. &#x0D; Methods: The study was conducted on 80 smokers and 20 non-smokers, totally 100 persons. Their ages ranged from 18 to 65 years.&#x0D; Results: Result showed that the majority of smokers had elevated ferritin levels. A p-value of less than 0.05 indicated a significant difference in ferritin levels between smokers and non-smokers groups. The average ferritin level among smoker group was 227.40 mg/L, while the average ferritin level among non-smokers group was 118.3 mg/L. Regarding the associated between age groups and average ferritin levels, the average ferritin level is highest in the age groups between 51-61 years old. In addition, obesity may play a role in raising ferritin levels, people with obese conditions (BMI &gt; 30) have the highest average ferritin levels than others.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study provides evidence that smoking negatively affect serum ferritin levels, since increases in mean ferritin levels are very striking in smoking and obese group.

EFFECTS OF SMOKING ON CIRCADIAN ARTERIAL BLOOD PRESSURE PROFILE IN PATIENTS WITH NON-ST-SEGMENT ELEVATION ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME AND CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

The paper presents the results of a study of the effects of smoking on circadian arterial blood pressure (ABP) profile in patients with Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome (NSTE-ACS) and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).&#x0D; Aim. The research aims at studying the features of circadian blood pressure monitoring (CBPM) in patients with NSTE-ACS and CKD, smoking-dependent.&#x0D; Materials and Methods. The study includes 70 patients with NSTE-ACS and CKD aged 35 to 75 years. The patients were divided into 2 groups: Group I - 35 smokers (mean age - 60.09±1.66 years), Group II - 35 individuals who have never smoked (mean age - 62.31±1.04 years). The circadian blood pressure monitoring was carried out on the second day of hospital admission after stabilization of the patient's condition. The following indicators have been determined: systolic blood pressure (SBP) - daytime, nighttime, and average daily (24 hours) (SBPd, SBPn, and SBPav); diastolic blood pressure (DBPd, DBPn, and DBPav); pulse pressure (PBPd, PBPn, and PBPav); time index (TI) for SBPd and SBPn (SBPd TI and SBPn TI) and DBP (DBPd TI and DBPn TI); heart rate (HR). To study the renal functional status in the examined patients, the urine albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) was determined using the semi-quantitative method. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated using the CKD-EPI Creatinine Equation.&#x0D; Results. Mean SBP, DBP, and PBP levels were significantly higher in Group I patients compared to Group II patients: SBPd - by 5.10% (p&lt;0.05), SBPn - by 6.60% (p&lt;0.05); DBPd - by 9.60% (p=0.01), DBPn - by 14.10% (p&lt;0.05); PBPd - by 7% (p=0.05), PBPn - by 8.50% (p&lt;0.05). The mean TI value also turned out to be significantly higher in the group of smokers (I) versus non-smokers (II): SBPd TI - by 55.50% (p&lt;0.01), SBPn TI - by 58.90% (p&lt;0.01), DBPd TI - by 57.50% (p&lt;0.01), DBPn TI - by 46.30% (p&lt;0.01). The HR was higher by 10.80% in Group I patients compared to Group II patients (p&lt;0.01). The mean GFR level in smokers is 13.00% lower than in non-smokers (p&lt;0.05). A 57% significantly higher ACR level was found in the group of smokers (Group I) compared to non-smokers (Group II) (p&lt;0.01).&#x0D; Conclusions. Mean SBP, DBP, PBP, TI, and HR levels were significantly higher in the group of smokers with NSTE-ACS and CKD. In the same Group, more distinct signs of kidney injury were found, namely, lower GFR values and higher ACR values, which indicates the probable adverse effect of smoking on ABP regulation and renal microvasculature.

The Affects of Smoking on Cataract Formation in Turkish Patients

Aims: To investigate whether smoking influences cataract formation age and cataract type in patients who underwent senile cataract surgery.&#x0D; Study Design: Retrospective cross-sectional.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Department Of Ophthalmology, Ahi Evran Faculty Of Medicine between November 2014 and March 2018.&#x0D; Methodology: Five hundred eighty-one patients were included, who were operated on for senile cataracts. Age, gender, cataract type, and smoking status of patients were recorded. Congenital, traumatic, drug-induced, and uveitic cataracts were excluded from the study. The smoking status of patients was divided into three groups: currently smoking, never smoking, quitted smoking. The smoking load of patients was calculated as packages/year.&#x0D; Results: Of total of 581 patients, 47.8% (278) were female and 52.2% (303) were male and the mean ages were 66.68 ± 10.68 years and 66.17 ± 9.37 years, respectively. There was an association between gender and smoking status (p&lt;0.05). Smoking rate (both currently smoking and quit smoking) was higher among males. The mean age of cataract patients who were smokers was statistically lower than the mean ages of non-smokers and quitters (p &lt;0.001). There was a statistical association between cataract type of patients and smoking status (p=0.0152). This resulted from a lower incidence of cortical cataracts and higher incidence of posterior subcapsular and nuclear cataracts in smokers. Among these three groups, cortical cataract was the most frequent in the non-smoker group. It was found that smoking increases the posterior subcapsular cataract, but it has less effect on cortical cataract formation.&#x0D; Conclusion: Smoking causes cataract formation in younger ages and higher posterior subcapsular cataract rate. We suggest that this finding may prevent beginning of smoking and increase the motivation of individuals to quit smoking.

Retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell complex thickness in diabetic smokers without diabetic retinopathy

Purpose To compare the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) in smoker and nonsmoker diabetics without diabetic retinopathy. Materials and Methods Patients with diabetes were divided into two groups according to their smoking status: Group 1 consisted of 38 smoker diabetics who had chronically smoked more than 20 cigarettes per day for more than five years; Group 2 consisted of 38 nonsmoker diabetics. After a detailed ophthalmologic examination, the mean and regional (superior, supratemporal, inferior, inferotemporal, temporal, nasal, superonasal, and inferonasal) RNFL and GC-IPL thicknesses were measured with spectral-domain optic coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and compared between groups. Results The mean age was 54.7 ± 10.5 and 51.2 ± 9.7 years in the smoker and nonsmoker groups, respectively (p = 0.14). Gender, duration of diabetes, and the mean axial length were similar between groups (p:0.43, p:0.54, p: 0.52, respectively). Mean RNFL thickness was 89.1 ± 8.0 µm in the smoker group and 93.4 ± 7.0 µm in the nonsmoker group, and it was significantly thinner in the smoker group (p = 0.01). The temporal RNFL thickness in the smoker group was thinner than in the nonsmoker group (p = 0.02). There was no difference in superior, inferior, and nasal RNFL thicknesses between the groups (p = 0.31, p = 0.12, p = 0.39, respectively). The mean macular GC-IPL thickness of the smoker and nonsmoker groups was 78.53 ± 15.74 µm and 83.08 ± 5.85 µm, respectively (p = 0.09). Superior, superonasal, inferonasal, inferior, inferotemporal, and superotemporal quadrant GC-IPL thicknesses were similar between the groups (p = 0.07, p = 0.60, p = 0.55, p = 0.77, p = 0.71, p = 0.08, respectively). The groups showed no difference in minimum GC-IPL thickness (p = 0.43). There was a significant negative correlation between smoking exposure and mean, inferior quadrant RNFL thicknesses in the smoker group (p = 0.04, r= −0.32, and p = 0.01, r= −0.39, respectively). Conclusion Mean RNFL thickness was significantly thinner in smoker diabetics. Although not statistically significant, especially mean, superior, and superotemporal GC-IPL was thinner in smoker diabetics. The results suggest a potential association between the coexistence of diabetes and smoking with alterations in RNFL and GC-IPL thickness.

Evaluation of functional aerobic exercise capacity among chronic e-cigarette users compared to combustible cigarette smokers and non-smokers: a comparative study

BackgroundElectronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes have gained significant popularity as an alternative to traditional combustible tobacco smoking particularly among the youth. Although there is a growing prevalence of e-cigarette usage, the effects on cardiovascular function and physical capacity have not been adequately studied. The toxic products in combustible tobacco cigarettes negatively impact functional exercise capacity. However, the available data regarding the effect of e-cigarette use on functional exercise capacity are scarce. Thus, in the current study, we aimed to evaluate the functional aerobic exercise capacity among chronic e-cigarette users compared to combustible cigarette smokers and non-smokers.ResultsThis comparative, cross-sectional study was conducted on 105 healthy volunteers. Participants were assigned into three study groups each consisting of 35 participants: chronic e-cigarette users, combustible cigarette smokers, and a non-smoker control group. Basal demographic and clinical data were similar in all groups. Mean heart rates and respiratory rates were significantly higher among e-cigarette smokers and combustible cigarette smokers compared to non-smoker controls (p < 0.001). Chronic e-cigarette users and combustible cigarette smokers had shorter 6-MWT distances compared to non-smokers (508.3, 488, and 616.6 m, respectively, p < 0.001). Borg scale scores after performing the six-minute walking test were significantly higher in chronic e-cigarette users and combustible cigarette smokers groups compared to non-smokers, where perceived exertion (4.9, 5.5, 2.1, respectively, p < 0.001), dyspnea (5.7, 6.5, 0.1, respectively, p < 0.001) and leg fatigue (4.2, 5.4, 1.4, respectively, p < 0.001).ConclusionIn this cross-sectional study, significant evidence demonstrates that e-cigarette use is not harmless. This was particularly presented in apparently healthy e-cigarette users in comparison to the healthy non-smoker control group. Chronic e-cigarette use is associated with reduced functional capacity compared to non-smoker controls. This was signified by decreased 6MWT walking distances, higher Borg scale scores, and lower oxygen saturation percentages among the chronic electronic cigarette users as compared to non-smoker controls after performing the six-minute walking test. All the evaluated parameters in the current study were similarly reduced among both the e-cigarette users group and the combustible cigarette smokers group compared to non-smokers with no statistically significant differences between both smoker groups.

Comparison Of Chest CT Scan Between Smokers And Non Smokers

Purpose: Smoking has a direct effect on the respiratory system. The rate of cigarette smoking among the population has continued to increase steadily. The current study identified and compared the respiratory function of young smokers and non-smokers.Subjects: Participants of both sexes, smokers and non-smokers, aged 16 to 62 years, were recruited. Information was collected in Kirkuk Governorate in Azadi hospitals from January to March 2023.METHODS: Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire related to smoking habits, housing, educational level, chronic diseases and the treatments they receive.Results: The CT scan results showed significant differences between the smokers and non-smokers group. Smokers found an abnormal picture of the lung in many patients.Conclusion: The results of this study show that the effects of smoking are present and actual and can be observed in a CT scan, after which the effects are clear on the smoker. This information can be used to show the harm of smoking and should be used to encourage young people to quit smoking or to avoid smoking cigarettes

Effects of smoking on varicocelectomy outcomes: a retrospective cohort study.

To evaluate the effects of smoking on semen parameters and spontaneous pregnancy development by comparing smoker and non-smoker varicocelectomy patients. This study included 63 male patients with primary infertility for at least one year, and underwent microscopic subinguinal varicocelectomy at the Erzurum City Hospital urology clinic between 2020 and 2023. Patient files were retrospectively evaluated, and 27 patients were assigned to smoker group, whereas 36 patients were assigned to non-smoker group. Demographic data, semen parameters, spontaneous pregnancy development and timing were compared between two groups. No statistically significant differences were observed in age, partner's age, BMI, clinical presentation, varicocele grade, side of varicocele, testicular volume, or testicular vein diameters (p > 0.05). The mean age of the study group was determined to be 30.7 ± 4.9years. In the non-smoker group, 27 patients (75%) had only subfertility complaints, while 9 patients (25%) also experienced scrotal pain. Progressive motility was significantly higher in the non-smoker group at the 3rd month (28.11 ± 5.78 vs. 24.51 ± 4.24, p < 0.05) and 6th month (29.61 ± 5.16 vs. 26.22 ± 4.14, p < 0.05) evaluations. When comparing the rates of pregnancy development, the non-smoker group was determined to have a higher rate (53%), but this comparison was not statistically significant. (p < 0.05) Regarding the timing of pregnancy, the non-smoker group was associated with earlier spontaneous pregnancy. (5.84 ± 2.26 vs. 9.20 ± 2.30, p < 0.05). Smoking negatively affects the outcomes of varicocelectomy in terms of semen parameters, spontaneous pregnancy development and timing. Prospective, randomized, and larger sample-sized studies are required on this subject. This study was approved by the Ataturk University Local Ethics Committee (approval number: B.30.2.ATA.0.01.00/234).

Changes in and the Relationships between Alpha-Klotho, Oxidative Stress, and Systemic Inflammation in Cigarette Smokers

ABSTRACT Background: Although smoking is known to accelerate aging, the mechanisms by which this occurs have not been fully clarified. Serum-soluble α-Klotho (sαKl), antiaging, anti-inflammatory, and developing resistance to oxidative stress properties are known. Aim: This study aimed to determine the relationship between cigarette smoking, saKl (antiaging hormone), inflammation, and oxidative stress. Materials and Methods: Participants included in the study were divided into smoking and nonsmoking groups. sαKl, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) were assessed and compared in the study participants. Results: There were one hundred and forty-six study participants comprising 47 (32.2%) females and 99 (67.8%) males. There were 79 (54.1%) in the nonsmoking group and 67 (45.9%) in the smoking group. A significant difference was found between the groups in respect of TAS (P &lt; 0.001), OSI (P = 0.017), sαKl (P = 0.013), and hsCRP (P = 0.024) values. A significant negative correlation was found between the sαKl values of the smoking group and the years of smoking (r = -0.271, P = 0.038) and pack-years (r = -0.299, P = 0.021). Among the smoking group, a lower median sαKl value of &lt;3.84 pg/ml was significantly associated with years of smoking (P = 0.028) and pack-years (P = 0.012). Conclusions: This study found that sαKl, OSI, and hsCRP were elevated in those who smoke cigarette. Large prospective studies are needed to further elucidate this area of research.

Vocal Tract Discomforts among Smokers

Smoking is a dangerous behavior for the human body and the vocal tract. Smoking can cause several laryngeal and vocal tract symptoms in smokers. One of these symptoms can be physical discomfort experienced by this population. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate vocal tract discomfort (VTD) in smokers compared to healthy non-smoker participants. The smokers group was forty-eight men with a mean age of 47.54±9.21 years, and the matched non-smokers group was 48 men with a mean age of 44.88±10.81 years. The participants underwent vocal tract discomfort assessment using the Persian version of the VTD scale. Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) was used for statistical analysis and the Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare variables between groups. The smokers more frequently had VTD symptoms (P<0.05) than non-smokers for all items of the VTD scale with the exception of aches. Also, smokers had more significant VTD severity in all items than non-smokers (P<0.05). Moreover, there were significant statistical differences between the total score of both frequency and severity of VTD between smokers and non-smokers. The most to the least VTD symptoms in smokers were irritation, sore, tickling, burning, tightness, lump in the throat, dry, and aching symptoms, respectively. The present study suggests that smoking can cause more physical vocal tract discomfort in smokers compared to non-smokers. These results can inform future research and interventions in the smoker population.

Can Vitamin C Improve Proliferation and Viability of Smokers’ Gingival Fibroblasts on Collagen Membranes? An In Vitro Study

Periodontal regeneration using a barrier membrane can be affected by several factors, including patient-related factors (such as smoking habits), surgical techniques, and type of barrier membrane. Smoking exposure has a negative impact on the periodontium due to its direct inhibition of gingival fibroblast function. Vitamin C is widely recognized as an antioxidant that can be used to mitigate the detrimental impact of smoking products on periodontal cells. This study aimed to investigate whether vitamin C could improve the proliferation and viability of gingival fibroblasts extracted from smoking and non-smoking donors and then cultured on non-crosslinked (CopiOs Pericardium) and crosslinked (BioMend) collagen membranes. To address this aim, human gingival fibroblasts were extracted from healthy periodontium of smoker patients (Group 1) and non-smoker patients (Group 2). The cells were cultivated and subsequently subcultured in a growth medium supplemented with the required nutrients. Subsequently, the medium at passage six was supplemented with vitamin C, i.e., at the start of the experiment. An evaluation of cell proliferation and viability was carried out using cell migration assays and AlamarBlue® assays for cells grown on BioMend and CopiOs Pericardium collagen membranes. Assessment of the morphology and attachment of gingival fibroblasts to the experimental collagen membranes was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The viability and proliferation assessments of hGFs from the migration assay were evaluated using AlamarBlue®. The results exhibited significant fluorescent intensity of gingival fibroblasts on both membrane groups (BioMend and CopiOs Pericardium) in the smoker group compared to the non-smoker group (p &lt; 0.05), which was interpreted to be the result of hGF metabolic activity and the exclusion of any cytotoxic effects, particularly from vitamin C addition. Vitamin C positively affected cells from the smoker group with statistically significant results in the BioMend group (Wilcoxon signed-rank test of p value &lt; 0.05; p = 0.028). SEM images revealed the crosslinking pattern of the BioMend membrane and the non-crosslinked natural tissue structure of the CopiOs Pericardium membrane, which did not change regardless of whether the cultured smoker or non-smoker hGFs were treated with vitamin C. Small numbers of attached hGFs in membrane matrices in all samples, mainly in the peripheries, were observed. It can be concluded that the addition of vitamin C to collagen membranes in vitro seems to combat the adverse effects of smoking products on gingival fibroblasts.

The Effects of Maternal Smoking on Thyroid Function: Findings from Routine First-Trimester Sonographic Anomaly Screening.

This study aimed to assess the effect of tobacco exposure on maternal thyroid function and investigate its relationship to subclinical hypothyroidism in pregnant women during the first trimester. A comparison of maternal thyroid function was made on 45 smokers, who composed the study group, and 72 non-smokers, pregnant women, who constituted the control group. After determining smokers by questionnaire, carbon monoxide (CO) levels in the expiratory air of the participants in both groups were measured and recorded, and the smokers' exposure was objectively confirmed. Smoking and non-smoking pregnant women were similar regarding body mass index (BMI). While the TSH and fT4 levels were respectively 1.48 mlU/L and 11.43 pmol/L in pregnant women who smoked, that ratio changed to 1.72 mlU/L and 11.17 pmol/L in the non-smokers' group. But the differences between the groups were not statistically significant (p=0.239, p=0.179). Even though the rate of subclinical hypothyroidism was 8.9% in the smoking group, it was approximately 19.4% in the non-smoker group; the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.187). This study proved that there is no statistically significant difference between maternal serum TSH and fT4 levels and the rate of subclinical hypothyroidism in smokers during pregnancy in the first trimester.